Jack G. and I had great luck at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge today. I don't know the proper ID of this wonderful bird, I figured it was a juvenile eagle of some sort or a hawk.
Canon 40D 100-400 lens @400
ISO 400 f/8 1/180s
It felt great to get out and to come away with a few great pics. I may have some others to post.
Posted by David Bostock on January 3, 2010 at 9:21 PM
Great shot, Ryan, Ridgefield is picking up lately with lots of Avian opportunities. This is a Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). Was he sitting on one of the signs around marker 12 or 13? Seems to be unafraid of the cars going by.
The first time we went around he was sitting on a sign, the next time, he was on the opposite side of the road (the side we wanted him to be on) on a post, with better light. It worked out well.
Posted by dan elster on January 3, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Beautiful shot!
Posted by Jack Graham on January 4, 2010 at 1:22 AM
Ryan,
This is a sweet shot. Great definition and background and expression indeed!
Ryan and David--I would like to take a day off with my wife and visit the refuge with the coming two weeks. Is now a good time for photography and observation? Any particular locations within the refuge you recommend?
Thanks,
ME
Posted by John Williams on January 4, 2010 at 7:37 AM
Awesome!!! Nice tight shot of a Red-tail, and what a pose. I was there birding late yesterday; I was amazed how many cars were there for that time of day.
Michael, now is a great time for raptors and waterfowl. Ridgefield has two units open for birding, the River S and the Carty. The River S is best for photography because it has an auto loop where you can photograph from your car. My recommendation is to go there and make a fairly quick pass around the loop to familiarize yourself with the options and where the birds are, and then go around again concentrating on your favorite spots. Although, if the birds are cooperative you may only make it around once .
Posted by David Bostock on January 4, 2010 at 9:22 AM
Ryan, I keep coming back to this one. Great shot.
Michael, if you're coming down from Vashon Island, I would also encourage you to check out Nisqually Wildlife Refuge on the way down, or back...Right off I5 just north of Olympia. Ridgefield costs 3 dollars--self pay, honor system, but it's well worth it.
It does seem like a good time to be up there for the birds John mentioned. It was my first time driving the River S (it was closed for some reason the first time I visited, which was quite a while ago). Jack and I went around twice. We got there around 9:30 and stayed until 11:30. For me, it was awesome to get a photo or two that really got my motor running after a 2 year dry spell.
David, thanks. Nisqually is an old hangout of mine. The whole trail system is being reconfigured to protect the wildlife, so only part of the trail is open for the next year or so.
I assume that Ridgefield will accept my National Park pass?
ME
Posted by Cliff Dodge on January 4, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Nicely focused and exposed.
Posted by David Bostock on January 4, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Michael, Ridgefield will accept the pass, if it has some additional stamp on it...mine didn't...
Posted by Craig Strand on January 5, 2010 at 1:00 PM
Congratulations Ryan, this is a gorgeous closeup of this Red-tail. I love the eyes, expression and detail you capured... Well done!
Discussion
12 repliesCanon 40D 100-400 lens @400
ISO 400 f/8 1/180s
It felt great to get out and to come away with a few great pics. I may have some others to post.
Nicely done.
YOU nailed this one Ryan!
JG
This is a sweet shot. Great definition and background and expression indeed!
Ryan and David--I would like to take a day off with my wife and visit the refuge with the coming two weeks. Is now a good time for photography and observation? Any particular locations within the refuge you recommend?
Thanks,
ME
Michael, now is a great time for raptors and waterfowl. Ridgefield has two units open for birding, the River S and the Carty. The River S is best for photography because it has an auto loop where you can photograph from your car. My recommendation is to go there and make a fairly quick pass around the loop to familiarize yourself with the options and where the birds are, and then go around again concentrating on your favorite spots. Although, if the birds are cooperative you may only make it around once
Michael, if you're coming down from Vashon Island, I would also encourage you to check out Nisqually Wildlife Refuge on the way down, or back...Right off I5 just north of Olympia. Ridgefield costs 3 dollars--self pay, honor system, but it's well worth it.
I assume that Ridgefield will accept my National Park pass?
ME